HR Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international humanitarian organization founded in Denmark in 195

• With a mission to assist refugees and internally displaced persons globally, DRC provides emergency aid, advocates for their rights, and works towards sustainable solutions for a brighter future. The organization has grown significantly over the years, employing over 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers across various countries. DRC operates in conflict-affected areas, along displacement routes, and in host countries, focusing on successful integration and the possibility of return for displaced individuals. DRC Syria has been active since 2008, initially addressing the Iraqi refugee crisis and later expanding its efforts to respond to the ongoing Syria crisis since 201
• The organization employs an area-based approach to support internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities, with key sectors including Economic Recovery and Resilience, Protection, WASH, Shelter and Infrastructure, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. DRC's rapid response mechanism allows for quick action in emergencies, and its programs aim to foster resilience in communities facing protracted displacement and post-conflict recovery. DRC also engages in cross-border responses in neighboring countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye, and Iraq, providing protection monitoring and advocacy for those affected by the Syria crisis.

Job Overview:
The HR Officer position is crucial for ensuring the effective management of human resources within the DRC Syria country program. The role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities aimed at supporting the HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, payroll management, onboarding, leave management, and overall HR administration. The HR Officer will work closely with the HR Specialist and other team members to facilitate smooth HR operations and ensure compliance with organizational policies and procedures. This position requires a proactive approach to managing HR tasks and a commitment to fostering a positive work environment for all staff. The HR Officer will also play a key role in maintaining accurate HR records, managing employee welfare initiatives, and supporting the overall mission of DRC in providing assistance to displaced individuals and communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HR Officer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to:

• Payroll Management: Assisting the HR Specialist in drafting the national employee payroll, ensuring timely capture of payroll adjustments, and distributing pay slips to staff monthly.
• Recruitment: Managing the recruitment process for Officer level positions and below, including receiving and processing recruitment requests, displaying job advertisements, preparing longlists and shortlists, coordinating interviews, and drafting offer letters.
• Contract Management: Preparing employment contracts and amendments, managing casual contracts, and ensuring compliance with social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security registration.
• Payments: Processing HR-related payments such as medical insurance and tax payments, and raising expenses for HR processes.
• Leave Management: Tracking leave for national staff and addressing inquiries related to various types of leave.
• Onboarding: Coordinating the onboarding process for new hires, conducting HR orientations, and ensuring all necessary documentation is completed.
• Staff Welfare: Acting as the focal point for medical insurance, scheduling annual checkups, and promoting a positive work environment.
• Exit Management: Coordinating exit interviews, clearance forms, and ensuring proper documentation for staff separations.
• HR Administration: Ensuring proper communication of HR documents between field offices, maintaining personnel files, and supporting HR audits. 1
• Reporting: Maintaining various trackers related to leave, recruitment, and payments, and providing regular updates to the HR/Admin manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the HR Officer position must possess a strong set of qualifications, including:

• At least 2 years of experience in a busy HR department, preferably within an international non-governmental organization (INGO) setting.
• Strong English literacy and proficiency in computer programs such as Word and Excel.
• Excellent levels of confidentiality and professionalism, with a strong commitment to accountable practices.
• Proven ability to manage large workloads, prioritize tasks, and work constructively under stress.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships at all levels.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the HR Officer position includes a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Psychology, or a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of human resource management and effectively supporting the HR functions within the organization.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant experience in a busy HR department, ideally within an INGO context. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of HR practices and the ability to navigate the challenges of working in a humanitarian setting. Experience in managing various HR functions, such as recruitment, payroll, and employee relations, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with a professional level of proficiency required. Additionally, fluency in Arabic is also essential, as it will facilitate communication with local staff and stakeholders. Knowledge of other languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The HR Officer position is classified as a non-management role (H1 level) and is based in Damascus, Syria. The contract length is up to 31 December 2026, with the possibility of extension based on performance and available funding. The expected start date for this position is 01 May 202

• Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a cover letter and an updated CV, both in the same language as the vacancy note. Applications will be accepted until 28 April 2026, and candidates are advised that the review process will occur on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to close the advertisement early if a suitable candidate is found.